- he described Jesus as the “King of Peace” who rejects war and cannot be used as a justification for conflict
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa said the conflict has added to the hardship faced by believers
- the pope said the pain of the oppressed, the sick, and the isolated is mirrored in the suffering of Christ
Pope Pope Leo XIV has called for global peace as he marked his first Holy Week celebrations, warning against the use of religion to justify violence and war.
Leading Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff began the liturgical week with a solemn procession of palm leaves and olive branches, a traditional symbol of peace, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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In his homily, he described Jesus as the “King of Peace” who rejects war and cannot be used as a justification for conflict.
He stressed that prayers offered in support of war would not be heard, referencing the words of the prophet Isaiah to underscore his message.
The pope’s remarks come amid rising global tensions, with ongoing conflicts drawing international concern. He also expressed deep sympathy for Christians in the Middle East, noting that many are unable to fully observe Holy Week due to the impact of war.
The situation has already disrupted key religious traditions, including the cancellation of the annual Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa said the conflict has added to the hardship faced by believers, making it difficult to celebrate Easter collectively and with dignity.
Reflecting on the suffering of people affected by violence, the pope said the pain of the oppressed, the sick, and the isolated is mirrored in the suffering of Christ.
“During Holy Week, as the Church reflects on the Passion, we must not forget those who are experiencing real suffering today,” he said, urging the faithful to remain conscious of the human cost of conflict.
An estimated 120,000 olive branches, brought from Italy’s Umbria region, were held by worshippers during the Mass, reinforcing the call for peace.
A day earlier, the pope had also spoken on global conflicts during a visit to Monaco, where he attributed ongoing wars to the pursuit of power and wealth.
With more Holy Week events ahead, including the traditional Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum, attention is expected to focus on how the pope continues to frame the Church’s message amid ongoing global crises.
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